Rust Inhibitor Application System

ABSTRACT

A rust inhibition system in which a rust inhibitor compound is applied to a wand, which is then inserted into a cavity. The wand serves as a reservoir to provide the inhibitor compound in areas susceptible to corrosion.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to corrosion inhibition and morespecifically to a corrosion inhibition system for use in inhibitingcorrosion such as rust in vehicle fenders and other vehicle componentscommonly susceptible to rust.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Corrosion inhibition compounds such as rust inhibitor liquids preventthe formation and spread of corrosion such as rust by coating surfacessuch as metals to prevent and remove moisture and other contaminantsfrom contacting the coated surfaces. Such corrosion inhibition compoundsare typically chemicals that react with a metallic surface, or theenvironment this surface is exposed to, giving the surface a certainlevel of protection such as corrosion inhibition or resistance.Inhibitors often work by adsorbing themselves on the metallic surface,protecting the metallic surface by forming a film, Inhibitors arenormally distributed from a solution or dispersion, Some are included ina protective coating formulation. Inhibitors slow corrosion processes byeither increasing the anodic or cathodic polarization behavior (Tafelslopes), reducing the movement or diffusion of ions to the metallicsurface, and/or increasing the electrical resistance of the metallicsurface.

Conventional systems to apply corrosion inhibition compounds to vehiclestypically involve spray systems in which a spray nozzle is inserted intothe cavity to be treated, such as the area between the rear quarterpanel near the rear wheel well, and a corrosion inhibitor compound issprayed into the cavity to coat the area potentially susceptible torust. In such systems, it is difficult to ensure that all susceptibleareas are sufficiently coated, In addition, the rust inhibitor coatingcan become depleted, leaving areas uncoated and susceptible to rust.There exists a continuing need for a rust inhibition system that betterensures that the rust inhibitor will remain in place for areassusceptible to rust such as inside the rear quarter panel of a vehicleabove the wheel well.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a wand according to an aspect of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the wand installed into a fender according toan aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the wand installed into a fender according toan aspect of the present invention

FIG. 4 is a side view of the wand inserted into a tube according to anaspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a wand 10 according to one aspect of the presentinvention is shown. Wand 10 typically comprises a conduit 110 and anabsorbent material 120 that protrudes or otherwise radiates from theconduit, typically radiating in a direction generally outward from thecentral axis of conduit 110, which is typically the central axis of wand10. In the embodiment shown, conduit 110 comprises a pair of twistedwires 112 and 114, into which absorbent material 120 is interwoven. Anyother structure or material suitable for supporting absorbent material120 may likewise be used for conduit 110. Examples of such structureinclude wire, rods, straw, tubing, and other pliable materials andobjects.

In another aspect of the invention, absorbent material 120 comprises amaterial suitable for absorbing and retaining a compound such as acorrosion inhibitor, which can be a rust inhibitor. In one embodiment,the material 120 comprises a porous, fibrous materials such as amicrofiber strands similar to those found in a car wash mitt. Theabsorbent material 120 typically includes properties suitable forabsorbing and retaining a compound with the properties of a corrosioninhibitor compound, including liquids. Material 120 also typicallyincludes properties that enable a compound with the properties of acorrosion inhibitor compound, including liquids, to wick from thematerial onto a surface such as metal surface for which rust inhibitionis desired. Felt, cotton, and sponge are examples of other materialssuitable for use as the absorbent material 120 according to otheraspects of the present invention. When a microfiber fabric or othersimilar material is used for absorbent material 120, in addition toenabling a rust inhibition compound to wick onto the metallic surface,the material can also wick away corrosion particles from the surface,thereby reducing the advancement of the corrosion on the metallicsurface.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show a wand 10 installed into a rear truck fender 200according to one aspect of the invention. Fender 200 typically includesan outer panel 210 and inner panel 220. Panels 210 and 220 are commonlypinch welded together during or prior to installation in the vehicle.Corrosion such as rust is a common occurrence in the rear fender 200 oftrucks and other vehicles, as well as other locations throughout avariety of vehicles. Fender 200 and other vehicle components arecommonly made from steel or other similar materials. Such components arecommonly painted to protect the steel or other underlying material fromcorrosion. When this protective paint is chipped off or otherwisedamaged, the underlying material is exposed to external contaminantssuch as moisture, salt, and other materials. Contaminants such asmoisture and salt will cause corrosion to form on the steel of fender200 through oxidation and other chemical reactions resulting in ironoxide and other compounds. Gravel commonly becomes trapped betweenpanels 210 and 220 and causes damage to the paint coating on panels 210and 220. Such gravel damage is one common cause of corrosion to fender200.

Referring to FIG. 3, wand 10 is typically installed between inner panel220 and outer panel 210 of rear fender 200. There is commonly an openingin the vehicle wheel well into which wand 10 can be inserted. Wand ends130 and 140 are typically cut to size and then bent around the edges offender 200 to hold wand 10 in place. Wand 10 can likewise be installedat any other suitable location on a vehicle where rust inhibition isdesired. Examples of such suitable locations include, withoutlimitation, rocker panels, door panels, tailgates, trunk lids, leadingedges of hoods, and shock towers.

Before installation, wand 10 is typically saturated with a corrosioninhibitor compound (not shown). The corrosion inhibitor compoundaccording to the present invention includes any compound, includingliquids, that can be used to prevent, inhibit, or other impede corrosionsuch as rust. One example of a corrosion inhibitor compound that can beused in connection with the present invention is Seal Out® Backcoat 834rust inhibitor, available from WK Products, Inc. Any other corrosioninhibitor compound can likewise be used in connection with the presentinvention. Once installed between panels 210 and 220, wand 10 enablesthe constant presence of corrosion inhibitor compound along the surfacesof panels 210 and 220. Wand 10 typically serves a reservoir forcorrosion inhibitor compound, ensuring that corrosion inhibitor compoundwill be present should corrosion start to form on a surface or a surfacebecomes damaged and susceptible to corrosion. The corrosion inhibitorcompound typically will wick from absorbent material 120 onto panels 210and 220. The wicking is commonly the result of the capillary action ofthe corrosion inhibitor compound within material 120.

Referring to FIG. 4, a storage tube 300 for wand 10 is shown. Accordingto one aspect of the invention, storage tube 300 can be used to storewand 10 in a cavity 310 after corrosion inhibitor compound has beenpre-applied to wand 10 and absorbed by absorbent material 120. Tube 300typically includes removably attached endcaps 320 and 330. In anotheraspect of the invention, tube 300 can be constructed from a transparentor semi-transparent material such as a plastic, which will permitobservation of wand 10 when it is stored within tube 300.

Following is an illustrative example of the use and installation of thepresent invention, which is provided for illustrative purposes only anddoes not limit the scope of the claimed invention. Wand 10 is immersedin a rust inhibitor compound such as Seal Out® Backcoat 834 rustinhibitor. Following immersion, or any other application of thecorrosion inhibitor compound to wand 10, wand 10 is inserted into tube300, which is sealed shut using end caps 320 and 330. While enclosedwithin tube 300, wand 10 can be easily transported or shipped withoutrust inhibitor compound unintentionally coming into contact with otheritems or surfaces. When desired, wand 10 can be removed from tube 300 byremoving one or both of end caps 320 and 330. Referring to FIG. 2, wand10 can then be sized by bending wand 10 to match the contour of wheelwell 215, which is part of fender 200. Approximately two inches of ends130 and 140 should extend beyond the contour of wheel well 215.Absorbent material 120 can optionally be shaved or otherwise removedfrom conduit 110 in the event that wand 10 will be shortened such thatwires 112 and 114 at ends 130 and 140 would have material 120 interwovenafter shortening. A box cutter knife, or any other suitable cuttingtool, can be used to shave or otherwise remove material 120 from wires112 and 114. In one embodiment, approximately two inches of wires 112and 114 free from material 120 will be left beyond the contour of wheel,with wires 112 and 114 used to secure wand to the fender.

Now bent to approximately match the contour of wheel well 215, a usercan insert wand 10 into the cavity created by the inner and outer panels210 and 220 and then position the wand such that it rests along thecontour of wheel 215 between panels 210 and 220 as shown in FIG. 3. Onceinserted, wand 10 provides reservoir for a constant source of corrosioninhibitor compound along the inner and outer panels 210 and 220, therebyreducing the likelihood that corrosion such as rust will form in thisarea. In the event the corrosion has already formed in this area,corrosion inhibiting compound typically will wick from and 10 into thecorroded area, impeding the formation of further corrosion.

All patents, patent publications, and peer-reviewed publications (i.e.,“references”) cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference tothe same extent as if each individual reference were specifically andindividually indicated as being incorporated by reference. In case ofconflict between the present disclosure and the incorporated references,the present disclosure controls.

It is understood that the invention is not confined to the particularconstruction and arrangement of parts herein illustrated and described,but embraces such modified forms thereof as come within the scope of theclaims.

1. A rust inhibitor system, comprising: an elongated wand having acentral axis and a first end and a second end; and an absorbent materialinterconnected with the wand and extending generally radially outwardfrom the central axis of the wand, wherein the wand is comprised of apliable material, and wherein a corrosion inhibitor compound is appliedto the absorbent material.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein thecorrosion inhibitor compound is a rust inhibitor compound.
 3. The systemof claim 1, wherein the elongated wand is comprised of a pair of twistedwire.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the absorbent material isintertwined with the twisted wire.
 5. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising an elongated tube of sufficient length to enclose the wandand having removable end caps.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein theabsorbent material is a porous material.
 7. The system of claim 1wherein the absorbent material is a fibrous material.
 8. The system ofclaim 1 wherein the absorbent material is a microfiber strand.
 9. Amethod for rust inhibition comprising the steps of: applying a corrosioninhibitor compound to a wand having an absorbent material interconnectedwith the wand; determining the desired length for the wand; optionallycutting one or both ends of the wand to reduce the length of the wand tothe desired length; and inserting the wand into a cavity.
 10. The methodof claim 9, wherein the absorbent material is interconnected with thewand to extend generally radially outward from a central axis of thewand.
 11. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of storingthe wand in a tube after a corrosion inhibitor compound has been appliedto the wand.
 12. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step ofbending the wand to a desired shape.
 13. The method of claim 9, furthercomprising the step of securing the wand into the cavity by bending oneor both ends of the wand around a structure proximate the cavity. 14.The method claim 9 wherein the corrosion inhibitor compound is a rustinhibitor compound.
 15. The method of claim 9 wherein the absorbentmaterial is a porous material.
 16. The method of claim 9 wherein theabsorbent material is a fibrous material.
 17. The method of claim 9wherein the absorbent material is a microfiber strand.